164 - L. Leroy & Cie. - Small Ship's Chronometer

L. Leroy & Cie. - Small Ship's Chronometer A rare, high-quality torpedo boat chronometer with a 36-hour power reserve indicator and a wooden box Movm. No. 1281, Case No. 1281, Dimensions 103 x 124 x 74 mm, circa 1890, Origin: France Case: Mahogany box, three-piece. Dial: Silvered, with auxiliary seconds. Movement: Brass movement, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement, chronometer balance with 4 screws and 2 movable weights, helical balance spring. L. Leroy & Cie was a renowned French watch manufacturer with roots dating back to the late 18th century, ranking among the most prestigious and influential brands in haute horlogerie. The company traces its origins back to 1785, when chronometer maker Bazile-Charles Le Roy opened his workshop in Paris. The manufacture supplied the French royal court, the Napoleonic court, and the British royal family. After several generational changes and name changes (Leroy et Fils), watchmaker Louis Leroy (Louis-Henry Leroy), together with Jules Halley des Fontaines, took over the company in 1879 and renamed it L. Leroy & Cie. The firm served as the official chronometer maker to the French Navy (Horloger de la Marine) and produced highly precise marine chronometers and navigational instruments. At our 109th auction on November 18, 2023, we sold the torpedo boat chronometer No. 1282 for EUR 4,000. Case: very good, worn. Dial: very good, slightly oxidized. Movement: very good, in working order, cleaning recommended.